Loose the Fireflies

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Nine of Swords; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Uruz:

Thoughts were zipping around my head like fireflies in a jar, bumping into each other, blinking on and off. ―Cameron West

Whip-poor-wills spend the day sitting motionless, becoming active only at dusk. Then they chase and eat insects like moths. These nocturnal birds have LOUD, distinctive voices. They are a fitting symbol for our restlessness and racing thoughts at night - it's hard to ignore them. We worry about what might occur, plan what we want to happen and rehash what we've already experienced. The irony is that none of those things are happening now. Uruz is a rune represented by the aurochs, a great beast similar to the modern-day bison. It suggests we find stability of mind by grounding ourselves in what is concrete, such as a body scan or diaphragmatic breathing. 

Living by Vow

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Devil; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Algiz:

I guess a man is the only kind of varmint sets his own trap, baits it, and then steps in it.

―John Steinbeck

How many times have we made a vow - that we would or wouldn't do a particular thing - then find ourselves blowing up that promise spectacularly? We are easily triggered to slip back into old habits. But from the Buddhist point of view, vows are not something that we do perfectly; we just keep heading toward the horizon even though we'll never reach it. As Koshin Paley Ellison put it, "A vow is about the shape we give our life. Living by vow is a place of practice." Algiz is a rune of protection. Blum writes that the spiritual warrior must not collapse into the highs or lows of emotions. If we can be mindful rather than swept away, we'll keep heading toward the horizon.

Taking Care of Business

This week I'll be using the Animal Totem Tarot, created by Eugene Smith with a companion book by Leeza Robertson; the set was published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Blum/Gern Rune Cards created by Ralph Blum and illustrated by Gabrielle Gern with publishing by Connections. Today's draws are the Knight of Pentacles and Sowilo:

What I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it. 

― Heartsill Wilson

Prairie dogs are named for their habitat and warning calls, which sound similar to a dog's bark. The extensive underground colonies they dig can be recognized by the mounded holes at the burrow entrances, usually 30 to 50 per acre. These mounds serve as lookout points and as a way to keep water from entering the burrows. This Knight of Pentacles reminds us to be good stewards, to protect and care for what we hold dear. Sowilo ("sun") represents positive energy and drive, encouraging us to grow and thrive. While the Knight emphasizes what is external, Sowilo points to the wholeness of our lives, bringing to mind Rumer Godden's words: "...everyone is a house with four rooms, a physical, a mental, an emotional, and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time but unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person."

Quiet Work

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Queen of Coins; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Moon:

No one sees the quiet work, but that’s where the change happens. Your best results will come from the habits no one claps for.  —Aishwarya Mani Tripathi

Being "Water of Earth," it is not surprising to find this queen's portrait in a water garden. She may not be outspoken (as the Queen of Swords), flamboyant (like the Queen of Wands), or deeply empathetic (as the Queen of Cups), but she is practical and resourceful. She believes in starting with basic needs then working outward; her actions of kindness are concrete and useful. While what she does is not flashy, people appreciate and are reassured by her nurturing. The Moon in Lenormand is unlike the Moon card in tarot. It represents recognition and honor, just as the sun shines on the moon and allows it to reflect light. Small things done can mean a lot to those who are in need.

I Can See Clearly Now

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Star; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Sun:

Given that both joy and pain are inevitable parts of life, what would a healthy, insightful response to the sheer fact of this reality be? ―Dale S. Wright

The Star offers us a place to pause and recuperate after the shock of our fall. When we are open to see the truth, it points to the problem of ignorance (not a lack of knowledge but rather a misunderstanding or misperception of the nature of reality and of ourselves). The Sun brings the antidote of wisdom, which exposes an accurate view of all things: nothing generates itself; nothing stands on its own; and nothing just is what it is forever. In other words, everything is in relationship to all else, created by causes and conditions that are impermanent and subject to change. Seeing with clarity, what would a wise response be in this moment?

Reward System

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Nine of Cups; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Coffin:

The brain effectively developed an in-house reward system for altruistic, prosocial behavior.

—Suzanne Degges-White

The 'wishes granted' card shows nine decanters of perfume. Our sense of smell is connected to the olfactory bulb, a part of the brain's limbic system that is often called the "emotional brain." Our brains forge a link between a smell and memory; good times produce good memories. Yet the sweet smell of such bottled fragrances only last two to three years, as the Coffin alludes to (endings). However, researchers have found that while self-focused actions can give us a feel-good bump, altruistic actions provide a more durable, long-term boost to our well-being. Such prosocial behavior engages us and gives us a feeling of belonging. 

Incoming Messages

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Chariot; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Birds:

The mind is a wonderful servant but a terrible master.

—Robin Sharma

The charioteer is represented by a statue known as Ephebe of Agrigento. Ephebe is a Greek term that describes a male adolescent who is in military training. His 'horses' are Naxian sphinx statues, symbols of power. The Greeks saw them as merciless - if you couldn't answer their riddles, you got eaten. How often have we vowed to do or change something, only to have our emotions or desires steer us off course? The Chariot is about learning to harness the senses, emotions and instincts so they work for us rather than against us. The Birds card symbolizes conversation, but because these birds are woodpeckers who often drum to communicate, this conversation might be of a different sort. Perhaps it an internal one from our body sending us a message. According to research, physical sensations within the body can cause psychological effects, and the ability to perceive and interpret those signals (interoception) can have a profound influence on mental health. We need to pause and question what's going on within us, using discernment before we follow or ignore those messages.

Equity, not Sameness

From the Tyldwick Tarot, Justice; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Stars:

Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need. 

—Rick Riordan

The scales of the Justice card are a reminder that the quality of fairness is what keeps things in balance. But it's not cut and dried, like slicing a pie and giving everyone a piece that's exactly the same size. A person who steals food should not get the same sentence as a person who robs a bank. A homeless person will need more help than a person living in the suburbs with a nice house. Justice is about equity, realizing that people have different strengths, challenges and limitations. The Stars card uses a compass rose that indicates the cardinal directions and their intermediates, suggesting guidance. When wanting to level the field, people at the top may assume they know what the people at the bottom need. But those who are wise will be guided by the answers to questions they ask rather than the assumptions they make.

Put It on the Priority List

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Clover:

The human body’s adaptability is a testament to its remarkable design and evolutionary history. 

– Dr. Moses Lee

The Five of Coins shows a neglected outbuilding covered with vines and surrounded by weeds and dilapidated furniture. Likewise, the human body is often ignored. When we're busy, its needs often get overlooked until we are in pain or sick. But if we plan on traveling around in it for a while, it deserves our care. Clover - a symbol of hope and opportunity - reminds us that while our body isn't bullet proof, it is resilient. Managing our stress levels, eating healthy, exercising and getting rest can acknowledge all this wonderful vehicle of ours does for us. 

A Field at Rest

This week I'll be using the Tyldwick Tarot, created and self-published by Neil Lovell. I'll also be using the Antiquarian Lenormand, created and self-published by Maree Bento. Today's draws are the Four of Swords and House:

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop. 

—Ovid

The wheelchair in this card reminds me of hospital policies that require those who are discharged to be wheeled out to the car that picks the patient up. Though they do it mostly to limit liability, the staff also knows the body can be weak and wobbly from a hospital stay. Yet in the Four of Swords, the body is not what is incapacitated but the mind; it is the part of us that desperately needs a break. It's time to take a mental health day - go for a walk, feel the breeze, listen to bird song, and enjoy the flowers making their debut. The Home card suggests a sanctuary that can offer support. As Maya Angelou said, "Home is a refuge not only from the world, but a refuge from my worries, my troubles, my concerns." However, don't let your mind lure you into worrying about what needs to be cleaned or fixed!

Holy Encounters

From the Touchstone Tarot, the High Priestess; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, Then Missal:

When the eyes and ears are open, even the leaves on the trees teach like pages from the Scriptures.

—Kabir

The High Priestess coyly asks why we want to learn to meditate and uncover hidden knowledge. Most of us would answer that we want to master relaxation and discover how to transcend all the daily worries and challenges we encounter. She would reply, "But I only offer a way to Truth, not a way to bypass the hard parts of life. However, the insights you glean can allow you to engage life wholly, wisely and compassionately." The Missal depicts a young woman reading from a daily prayer book. The open window suggests that spirituality's purpose in not just to make us comfortable; it is meant to be carried with us so that it positively affects all that we encounter in the world. 

But Don't Forget...

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Page of Cups; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, Jason and Medea:

Intuition, like first impressions, serves the brain’s need to predict and prepare for what will happen next.

—Psychology Today

The sensitive Page of Cups embodies that tug on the heartstrings feeling. It's no wonder this Page is given a big fish (intuition); his airy nature needs to grow to compensate for his surplus of emotions. Scientifically, intuition is the brain's ability to automatically process information, recognize patterns, and make rapid decisions using past experiences. But it only helps us if we pay attention to it. Jason and Medea are perfect examples of the heart ignoring all reason. Medea gave Jason a potion to help him succeed in all the tasks for him set by her father. Jason is eventually victorious and marries Medea. But later, he desires another wife, leading to Medea poisoning his new bride and his sons. As Alfred Adler said, "Follow your heart but take your brain with you."

Seeds

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Moon; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, the Priest of Aesculapius (a trimmed portion of A Sick Child brought into the Temple of Aesculapius):

For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. —Luke 8:17

A young woman stands between two statues as she stares at a crab. The statues mimic the pillars of the High Priestess, but here there is only confusion rather than wisdom. Sane Americans are feeling a bit looney right now, as if we are losing our sanity. But it's really a normal reaction to the antics of the Looney Tunes characters in Washington, D.C. Kat Black says of this card, "Nature's cycles always turn; that which is hidden will be revealed." May clarity soon find a foundation of action. Aesculapius, the Roman god of medicine, was revered for his ability to heal. With regards to our nation and its democracy, that healing must begin with us. As poet Dinos Christianopoulos reminds us, "They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds."

Be Your Own Advocate

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Waterhouse Oracle, John Waterhouse:

Don't waste your energy trying to change opinions... Do your thing and don't care if they like it. 

—Tina Fey

The Touchstone's portrait is of Christina of Denmark; Henry the VIII ordered a painter to go out and paint pictures of young women for him to consider for marriage. Henry fell for Christina, yet she is said to have replied that she might consider his proposal, "if I had two heads." No wonder this young lady was not given a blind fold - her eyes are wide open with that choice. John Waterhouse was known for depicting the inner life of women from myths and literary works. His crossed arms suggest that he likes what he paints, regardless of other opinions. These two cards brought to mind a phrase made popular by Archie Bunker (All in the Family); "If they don't like, they can lump it; take it down the road and dump it." 

Rewriting History

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Waterhouse Oracle, Cleopatra:

Envy is the tax which all distinction must pay. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cleopatra VII was the last ruler of Egypt before it was annexed as a province of Rome. She was fluent in a number of languages and was an effective diplomat and administrator. Her involvement with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony came about after she had already successfully steered Egypt through a difficult period. Yet envy and vested interests attempted to steal her intelligence and success through defamation. Roman historians painted her as a sultry seductress who threatened Rome and paid the price. Kind of reminds me of all the insulting names Trump has called female reporters who asked him hard questions.

Be Aware and Be Wise

From the Touchstone Tarot, the World; from the Waterhouse Oracle, Mariamne Leaving the Judgement Seat of Herod:

The most expensive thing you will ever do is spend time with the wrong people. 

— Germany Kent

From a spiritual perspective, the World offers us a 360 degree view. We arrive at a place of understanding that allows us to see more of the whole rather than just our assumptions. People aren't just naturally assholes or saints - everything is in relationship to other things. We are all shaped by the flux of conditions and causes that surround us. Yet awareness allows us to be mindful of these impacts, and wisdom pauses to assess these interconnected pieces. If a situation isn't healthy or kind, we can step back rather than identify with it. Waterhouse's painting of Mariamne shows Herod's wife being led to her execution after Herod's sister and mother made false accusations against her (in a move to protect their own interests). Who we surround ourselves with, the places we go, and what we feed our mind can create causes and conditions that impact us in unintended ways. Be aware and be wise.

Lighten Up

This week I'll be using the Touchstone Tarot, created and self-published by Kat Black. Along with it I'll be using the John Waterhouse Oracle, created and self-published by Elaine Wilkinson. Today's draws are the Happy Squirrel and Windflowers:

You be greater than your feelings. I don't demand this of you - life does. Otherwise, you'll be washed away by feelings. You'll be washed out to sea and never seen again.

― Philip Roth

I had forgotten all about the Happy Squirrel card until it turned up this morning. Originally from an episode of "The Simpsons" many years ago, it is a satirical look at fortune-telling (how rigidly and grimly some folks read the cards). Kat Black describes it this way: "Lighten up. Do not take yourself, or anything, too seriously. There are no simple answers, life is very complicated and the most important thing is to take joy in the journey." Windflowers, sometimes called Windswept, shows a woman and a field of flowers buffeted by gusty winds. It is a caution about letting our emotions sweep us away without questioning the validity or perspective behind them. We don't have to attempt to squash our feelings, but neither do we need to self-identify with them either. This is just a moment in our lifetime, not an era. 

Grow the Good

From the Brady Tarot, the Two of Arrows (Swords); from the Citadel Deck, the Forgotten:

When we let go of our battles and open our hearts to things as they are, then we come to rest in the present moment.  —Jack Kornfield

Two predators (a wolf and a cougar) that compete for food and territory have become bound together. Stress humans out by making them angry or fearful, and there's a good probability the solution they come up with will be destructive rather than constructive (especially to themselves). But this card suggests we pause in our battle; as Kornfield reminds us, "To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be." Why is this necessary? For one thing, we are probably wasting energy on things we can't control. But Forgotten reminds us of something else - we have ignored the things and people who are important in our lives. We choose the seeds to cultivate each day, so why not grow the good and nurture the loved?

Self-Preservation

From the Brady Tarot, the Four of Arrows (Swords); from the Citadel Deck, Aspirant:

The key to keeping your balance is knowing when you've lost it.

— Anonymous

The Aspirant advocates reaching for goals, which provides them with a purpose. But it is advisable that any ambition be balanced with self-care if we are to maintain our physical and mental health. There are many who have difficulties noticing imbalance - especially those who work to help those in need, or activists who work for justice and reform - until they keel over with exhaustion and stress. The Four of Arrows (Swords) suggests a time of temporary withdrawal. It is illustrated with a nightjar, a bird with excellent camouflaging skill. As Audre Lorde said, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation..."

Changing Roles

 From the Brady Tarot, the Hierophant; from the Citadel Deck, the Mascareri:

One man in his time plays many parts.

—William Shakespeare

The Hierophant is illustrated with a peregrine falcon, the fastest animal on earth and a symbol of a messenger between earth and the spirit realm. The ancient Greek roots of the word 'hierophant' literally mean "one who shows sacred things." Perennial wisdom has provided us with ethics, meaning and purpose while offering us traditions to find our way on a spiritual path. Unfortunately, humans want to organize and mass produce their particular brand, leading to the Way becoming the Only Right Way. The Mascareri ("mask makers") card suggests that we all assume or are given various roles throughout our lives. But we mustn't think that any role truly defines who we actually are; we can let go of those that no longer fit us. As Bridget Webber cautions us, "No one’s personality only consists of the qualities their roles suggest. They have facets to their persona and abilities that often go untapped because their roles limit them."

No Evading

From the Brady Tarot, the Son of Roots (Knight of Pentacles); from the Citadel, the Runaway:

You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. 

—Abraham Lincoln

Brady describes this Knight/Son as someone who loses himself in the task at hand. Like the mole, he is not content with checking the surface of things; he's going to tunnel under and make sure all is well. He knows that it's the simple things we overlook that can turn into big things later if we don't attend to them. The Runaway is an expert at ducking and avoiding needs and responsibilities. But that unpaid bill, toothache, or lack of care for things we own can mushroom into a larger problem. We may think we're getting a pass, but responsibility has a way of finding us. 

Back from Cousin Camp at my mom's where we celebrated her 88th birthday. (Me and mom are the shorties in the middle.)

New Forms

From the Brady Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Citadel, the Miser:

Energy surges through all things, giving rise to them, sustaining them, and transforming them into something else. What remains beyond the birth and death of all things is the energy that bounds forth into new forms upon the demise of the old. ―Dale S. Wright

Eggs, a caterpillar, a chrysalis and a skipper butterfly represent different stages on the Web of Life. The Wheel of Fortune is about movement - physical, mental and spiritual. Where we find ourselves on it is meant to help us develop and mature using the energy of life we've been given. However, the Miser (who hoards not just material things but is unyielding in all things) demands that everything be frozen in time to his liking. Yet stagnation is not healthy for our well-being or progress. As Eric Fromm stated, "Often we, the individual or the people who make up a society, have the illusion we could stand still and not alter the given situation in the one or the other direction. This is one of the most dangerous illusions. The moment we stand still, we begin to decay."

Stick of Shame

This week I'll be using the Brady Tarot, created and self-published by Emi Brady with a companion booklet by Rachel Pollack. I'll also be using the Citadel, an oracle created by Fez Inkwright and published by Liminal 11/Sterling. Today's draws are the Father of Arrows (King of Swords) and Warrior:

Perfectionism in its true sense implies a crippling rigidity. 

—Dr. Sherry Walling

The Father of Arrows (King of Swords) is illustrated with a black vulture. This bird is smaller than the turkey vulture but doesn't have its keen sense of smell to detect decaying flesh. To find food, they soar high in the sky and keep an eye on the lower-soaring turkey vultures. Since they travel in groups, they can easily overpower the more solitary turkey vultures when a carcass is located. Likewise, the Father of Arrows prefers brain over brawn. He is hyper-intelligent - able to rapidly process information, see patterns, understand complex concepts, and skillfully solve problems. Yet the Warrior warns that his hyper-intelligence can lead to the dangerous trait of perfectionism. Constantly competitive, he may expect himself and others to be flawless. There's no wiggle room for the perfectionist, it's all or nothing. With this oppressive mindset, there is no peace or freedom; it rules with the stick of shame.

Sifting Information

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Sacrifice:

Indecision may come from an instinctive hunch that there's more you need to know - which means it's time to learn everything you can about the pros and cons of each option. You can continue on this track, however, only as long as you're unearthing genuinely new information. ―Martha Beck

The hands crossed on this woman's chest are a symbol of many meanings: a barrier (we many need quiet and solitude), a self-soothing tactic (we may need to let our emotions settle), deep thinking (we look beyond the surface), and humility (recognizing we are an imperfect human). All of these are important stations to pass through when we must make a difficult decision. Sacrifice brings to mind a humorous church sign: "You can't have your Kate and Edith too." As much as we might want to keep everyone happy or not limit our possibilities, choices generally require moving forward and leaving something behind. As hard as it may be at times, it's the way we grow (even if we make a mistake).

With Justice for All?

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, Justice; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Lucidity:

We've learned that quiet isn't always peace and the norms and notions of what just is, isn't always justice. ―Amanda Gorman

Justice should be fair and impartial; its laws should apply equally to all. Yet in the U.S. today, it has been corrupted by revenge, power plays, and bribes. Following one's conscience (if a person has a working one) isn't reliable either, since we easily twist its insights to fit our preferences and prejudices. That's why a jury of one is not advisable. Lucidity means seeing things clearly and rationally without being intoxicated by personal beliefs, selfish desires, opinions or emotions. Justice requires clarity, recognizing that we live in an interconnected, interdependent world. As Helen Keller stated, "Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other's welfare, social justice can never be attained."